Chapter 25: Shadow of the Jin Clan.
Part 1
Li Wei and Lin Xue stood before Elder Liu's pavilion, its carved doors towering over the inner court, emitting a faint spiritual aura. Master Huang entered first, his staff tapping the stone floor, followed by guards holding a bound Wang Zi. Despite his wounds, Wang Zi held himself defiantly, his eyes burning with hatred as he glared at Li Wei. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed, reminding him of the secret he had to protect. Morning sunlight bathed the courtyard, but the shadow of the Jin Clan and the altar's specters loomed over him. The System displayed: Energy: 10% after rest. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 27%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 0%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 25%.
Huang turned to Li Wei and Lin Xue, his voice low: "Speak the truth, but carefully. Liu doesn't tolerate lies, and the Jin Clan's already pressuring the elders. If Wang Zi slips free, it'll be worse for you."
Lin Xue nodded, her face pale but resolute. Li Wei clenched his fists, Huang's words echoing his fears. The System highlighted: Chance of success with Liu: 65%. Recommendation: Emphasize Wang Zi's attack, avoid mentioning shadows or the artifact.
The pavilion doors opened, and the guards led them inside. The hall was vast, with jade pillars and an altar radiating spiritual energy. Elder Liu sat on a raised platform, his Spiritual Realm, peak-stage aura pressing like an invisible force. His sharp, piercing eyes scanned Li Wei, Lin Xue, and Wang Zi.
"Explain," Liu said, his voice like thunder. "Wang Zi, you were already punished for the ruins attack. Why are you here again, bound like a criminal?"
Wang Zi, despite the ropes, straightened, his voice bold: "Elder, Li Wei and Lin Xue lured me into the forest and attacked! They're hiding an artifact stolen from the ruins and want to slander me to protect their secrets!"
Li Wei felt his blood run cold. Wang Zi had twisted everything, and his lie sounded convincing. Lin Xue gripped her sword's hilt, but Li Wei stepped forward, his voice firm: "Elder Liu, that's a lie. Wang Zi and Cao Feng attacked us at the old altar while I was cultivating. He admitted acting on the Jin Clan's orders, seeking something in the ruins they call the 'Temple's Heart.' Lin Xue defended me, and we brought him here to answer for it."
Lin Xue nodded, adding, "Wang Zi threatened to kill us. His wounds are from our self-defense. Cao Feng fled, but he was with him."
Liu pondered, his fingers tapping a jade token. Huang cleared his throat, his voice weighty: "Li Wei proved his worth with the spiritual stone and Lunar Nectar. Wang Zi repeats attacks without proof. I trust Li Wei and Lin Xue."
Wang Zi snarled, his aura trying to flare but restrained by ropes and wounds. "Huang's biased!" he roared. "The Jin Clan will prove Li Wei's a thief!"
Liu raised a hand, demanding silence. His gaze locked on Li Wei, and Li Wei felt as if the elder saw through him. The System highlighted: Chance of success: 70%. Recommendation: Offer evidence or a challenge. Li Wei knew his words hung by a thread, and one wrong move could undo everything. He had to convince Liu, but the Jin Clan's shadow and talk of the "Temple's Heart" made it a dangerous game.
Part 2
Li Wei felt Elder Liu's gaze pierce him, as if seeking a crack in his story. The pavilion hall was steeped in oppressive silence, broken only by Wang Zi's heavy, furious breathing, his bound hands trembling with rage. Lin Xue stood beside Li Wei, her sword lowered but fingers gripping the hilt, ready for any turn. Master Huang, by a pillar, stroked his beard, his eyes on Liu, awaiting a verdict. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe warmed, a reminder of the secret he couldn't reveal. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 27%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 20%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 25%.
Liu leaned forward, his voice cold as steel: "Li Wei, your account of the attack is compelling, but Wang Zi's accusations about your artifact persist. If you're clean, why do the Jin Clan and Wang Zi hunt you so relentlessly? Speak, or I'll order a search."
Li Wei clenched his jaw, cold sweat prickling his back. A search would reveal the Heavenly Shard, and even Huang's support wouldn't save him. Lin Xue shot him a quick glance, her eyes urging caution. The System highlighted: Chance of search: 40%. Recommendation: Offer an alternative, emphasize Wang Zi's guilt.
"Elder Liu," Li Wei began, striving for confidence, "I've stolen nothing that threatens the sect. My strength comes from diligent cultivation and finds I've given you, like the spiritual stone. Wang Zi and Cao Feng attacked us, and his admission about the Jin Clan and the 'Temple's Heart' proves their greed. Instead of a search, let me prove my loyalty at the inner court tournament. If I win, it strengthens the sect, and Wang Zi must answer for his actions."
Lin Xue nodded, adding, "Wang Zi already broke rules in the ruins. His forest attack is a repeat. We're ready to testify against him and Cao Feng."
Wang Zi growled, his voice hoarse: "Li Wei lies! He uses an artifact to deceive everyone! The Jin Clan will prove it, and you'll regret trusting him!"
Huang stepped forward, his staff striking the floor. "Elder, Li Wei has benefited the sect, unlike Wang Zi, whose attacks only sow chaos. I suggest isolating Wang Zi until the tournament and investigating his Jin Clan ties. Let Li Wei prepare for the trials."
Liu pondered, his fingers tightening on the jade token. The hall held its breath, and Li Wei felt Liu's aura intensify. Finally, Liu spoke: "Wang Zi, you'll be held until the matter's clarified. Li Wei, I grant you a chance at the tournament, but if Wang Zi's accusations are proven, you'll answer. Lin Xue, Huang, watch them. The Jin Clan will be summoned for explanations."
The System updated: Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 50% progress. Guards led Wang Zi away, his glare promising vengeance, and Li Wei exhaled, but relief was fleeting. Lin Xue whispered, "You bought time, but Liu suspects you. So do I. This artifact… it's tied to the temple, isn't it?"
Li Wei stayed silent, her words stinging. Huang, escorting them out, said, "Li Wei, the tournament's your chance, but the Jin Clan's awake. Work in my shop tomorrow—elixirs will help you recover."
Li Wei nodded, knowing the tournament and Huang's alchemy were his path forward, but the altar's shadows and the Jin Clan's interest in the "Temple's Heart" made every step riskier. He had to grow stronger, fast, or his secret would be his end.
Part 3
Li Wei and Lin Xue left Elder Liu's pavilion, their footsteps echoing on the inner court's stone path. Morning sun pierced the clouds, but the trial's tension lingered. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe pulsed faintly, a reminder of his vulnerability. Master Huang strode ahead, heading to his alchemy shop, casting a glance full of expectation. Wang Zi was detained, but his words about the "Temple's Heart" and the Jin Clan echoed in Li Wei's mind. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 27%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 25%.
Lin Xue, walking beside him, broke the silence, her voice low but sharp: "Li Wei, you slipped past Liu, but not me. This artifact, the forest shadows, the altar—they're connected. If you don't trust me, I can't keep helping. Talk, or I'll find answers myself."
Li Wei stopped, her words striking his weak spot. Lin Xue was an ally, but her curiosity was becoming more dangerous than the Jin Clan. The System highlighted: Chance of Lin Xue's betrayal: 25%. Recommendation: Reveal partial truth, offer mutual benefit. He met her eyes, choosing his words: "Lin Xue, the artifact is a key I found in the ruins. It boosts my cultivation, but I don't know how it ties to the temple or shadows. If we uncover this together, I'll share the power we find. But I need your help for the tournament. Deal?"
Lin Xue narrowed her eyes, her fingers tapping her sword's hilt, but she nodded. "Fine. But if you lie, I won't forgive you. I'll talk to Chen Yu, see what he's heard about the Jin Clan. You focus on Huang's elixirs—they'll give you strength for the tournament."
Li Wei exhaled, knowing her agreement was a temporary reprieve. They headed to Huang's alchemy shop, where the scent of herbs and simmering potions wafted. Inside, Huang stood by a cauldron, stirring a brew, his beard swaying. Seeing them, he grunted: "Li Wei, you're like a storm—chaos everywhere. Liu gave you a chance, but the Jin Clan's whispering to other elders. Help me with a restoration elixir, and I'll give you a dose. It'll help for the tournament."
Li Wei nodded, approaching a table piled with herbs and crystals. The System highlighted: Chance of elixir success: 80%. Recommendation: Study the process to boost reputation. Huang pointed to the Lunar Nectar Li Wei had brought, explaining: "Add the nectar to the cauldron, slowly. The elixir will restore your energy and strengthen your vortex. Don't mess up, or the cauldron explodes."
Li Wei began, carefully pouring the nectar, feeling the cauldron's spiritual energy react. Lin Xue watched, her gaze wary but silent. An hour later, the elixir glowed gold, and Huang nodded approvingly. "Not bad," he said, pouring it into vials. "One's yours. Drink before cultivating. And, Li Wei," his voice dropped, "I know you're hiding something. Don't let the Jin Clan find it first."
Li Wei took the vial, Huang's words fueling his unease. The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 30%. The elixir was a step forward, but the altar's shadows, Lin Xue, and the Jin Clan reminded him the tournament was not just a fight but a race for survival. He knew he had to return to the altar or library to master Blade of Heavenly Flow, but every choice was laced with traps.
Part 4
Li Wei clutched the vial of golden restoration elixir, its spiritual energy faintly shimmering in his hand. Huang's alchemy shop smelled of herbs and charcoal, the cauldron still radiating heat from their work. Lin Xue stood by the door, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on Li Wei, as if waiting for him to betray his secret. Master Huang, sorting herbs on the table, cast attentive glances, his beard twitching slightly. The inner court outside buzzed with disciples training, but the Jin Clan's shadow and the recent altar fight kept Li Wei on edge. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 27%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 30%.
Li Wei tucked the vial into his belt, beside the Blade of Heavenly Flow and Stellar Wind Flow scrolls. The Heavenly Shard under his robe warmed, reminding him of its link to the altar and the shadows that nearly killed them. He looked at Huang, aiming to solidify his support. "Master Huang," Li Wei said, "thank you for the elixir. If you need more resources like Lunar Nectar, I can search. But what do you know about the Jin Clan? Wang Zi mentioned the 'Temple's Heart.' Is it tied to the ruins?"
Huang paused, his fingers stilling over a bundle of herbs. His eyes narrowed, and he replied, voice low: "You're wading into dangerous waters, Li Wei. The Jin Clan's long been interested in the ruins, but not for history's sake. The temple Wang Zi mentioned is an ancient place of power—rumors say it holds artifacts that could elevate a cultivator to the Heavenly Realm. But they're just rumors. If the Jin Clan thinks you have a key, they won't stop. Be careful."
Lin Xue, overhearing, stepped closer, her voice sharp: "Master Huang, if the ruins are so important, why doesn't the sect explore them? And why's the Jin Clan so sure Li Wei took something?"
Huang snorted, his gaze flicking to Li Wei. "The sect's busy with its own affairs, and the ruins are dangerous—traps, beasts, shadows. The Jin Clan has resources and greed. Li Wei, if you have something from the ruins, keep it close. Now go. I have work, and you, Li Wei, need to cultivate for the tournament."
Li Wei nodded, Huang's words confirming his worst fears. The System highlighted: Chance of Jin Clan interest in the shard: 70%. Recommendation: Avoid the ruins, focus on the tournament. He turned to Lin Xue, whispering, "We need a place to cultivate. The altar's too dangerous, but the library will do. Will you help?"
Lin Xue nodded, but her gaze was heavy. "I'll help, but you owe me more truth. And, Li Wei, if the shadows are tied to your artifact, they'll find us again."
They left the shop, heading for the technique library. On the way, Li Wei spotted a figure in a pavilion's shadow—Cao Feng, his altar wound bandaged, his eyes burning with malice. He vanished quickly, but Li Wei knew the Jin Clan was aware of the incident. The System updated: Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 35%. Chance of ambush: 40%.
The library was their next goal, but Li Wei knew every hour brought him closer to the tournament and new threats. He had to master Blade of Heavenly Flow with Huang's elixir and find a way to divert the Jin Clan from the Heavenly Shard. Lin Xue walked beside him, her silence louder than words, and Li Wei felt his secret growing heavier. The tournament was near, but the temple's shadows and the Jin Clan were nearer.
Part 5
Li Wei and Lin Xue entered the inner court's technique library, where the scent of old scrolls and spiritual energy enveloped towering shelves. Jade lamps cast a soft glow, illuminating disciples immersed in study. The Heavenly Shard under Li Wei's robe trembled faintly, reacting to the hall's spiritual aura, and the vial of Huang's restoration elixir weighed down his belt beside his scrolls. Cao Feng, glimpsed in the pavilion's shadow, hadn't appeared, but Li Wei felt his gaze like a needle in his back. The System showed: Energy: 10%. Cultivation progress: Mortal Realm, Stage 3, 27%. Task "Convince Elder Liu of Wang Zi's guilt": 50%. Task "Prepare for the inner court tournament": 35%.
Lin Xue, scanning the hall, whispered, "Find a secluded spot. If Cao Feng or Wei Long's people are here, they'll be watching. And, Li Wei, drink the elixir before cultivating—it'll boost your vortex."
Li Wei nodded, moving to a far corner where shelves cast shadows, shielding him from prying eyes. He sat at a table, pulling out the Blade of Heavenly Flow scroll and the elixir vial. Lin Xue stood guard, her sword hidden under her robe, but her hand rested on the hilt. The System highlighted: Chance of safety: 70%. Recommendation: Use the elixir to accelerate technique mastery.
Li Wei uncorked the vial, the aroma of Lunar Nectar and spiritual herbs filling the air. He drank it in one gulp, warmth spreading through him, restoring strength. Energy surged to 20%, and his chest vortex spun faster. He began breathing to the rhythm of Blade of Heavenly Flow, channeling the Heavenly Shard's energy into his hands. Water-like streams swirled, their glow intensified by the elixir. The System updated: "Blade of Heavenly Flow" technique: 30%.
Cultivation went smoothly, and Li Wei felt the technique meld with his movements, but a rustle behind a shelf interrupted him. He froze, hiding the scroll. Lin Xue tensed, her gaze darting to the aisle. Not Cao Feng, but Chen Yu emerged, his face pale, eyes frantic. "Brother Li Wei!" he whispered, gasping. "I found you! Rumors… the Jin Clan hired mercenaries! They're searching the ruins for a map to the 'Temple's Heart.' And… Wei Long's forming a tournament team. He wants to crush you in the maze!"
Li Wei clenched his fists, Chen Yu's words confirming Huang's fears. Lin Xue frowned, her voice sharp: "Chen Yu, how do you know this? Why're you alone? It could be a trap."
Chen Yu swallowed, his voice trembling: "I overheard near the barracks! A disciple close to Wei Long was talking to someone. I'm not lying, I swear!"
The System highlighted: Chance of Chen Yu's truthfulness: 80%. Chance of ambush: 50%. Recommendation: Continue cultivation but be ready to flee. Li Wei looked at Lin Xue, whispering, "If the Jin Clan's searching the ruins, they know more than Wang Zi said. We need to outpace them, but the tournament comes first. Lin Xue, can you verify Chen Yu's info?"
Lin Xue nodded, but her gaze was heavy. "I'll check, but don't leave the library. And, Li Wei, your artifact's the key to this temple, isn't it? If I find proof, we're talking."
She left with Chen Yu, leaving Li Wei alone. He returned to the scroll, but talk of the "Temple's Heart" and Jin Clan mercenaries gnawed at him. The Heavenly Shard warmed, and Li Wei knew his secret was the storm's center. The tournament was his chance, but the ruins and Jin Clan could destroy everything if he didn't find answers first.